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Nan Province is in Northern Thailand.

Nan (น่าน) is the provincial capital of Nan Province.

[edit] Understand

A quiet and tranquil province, Nan nestles in a verdant valley in northern Thailand. About 668 kilometres from Bangkok, it covers an area of 11,472 square kilometres.

The people of Nan descend from the Lan Changs (Laotians). Their forebears moved to settle around present-day Pua district which is rich in rock salt deposits, about 700 years ago at the time when Sukhothai was becoming the kingdom of the Thais. They subsequently moved south to the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive. Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai which played an important role in both political and religious terms before Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today Nan is still the home of numerous Thai Lue (ไทยลื้อ) and other hill tribes who retain highly interesting customs and traditions.

[edit] Districts

• The province comprises 15 amphoe:- Ban Luang; Bo Kluea; Chaloem Phra Kiat; Chiang Klang; Mae Charim; Mueang Nan; Na Muen; Na Noi; Pua; Phu Phiang; Santi Suk; Song Khwae; Tha Wang Pha; Thung Chang; Wiang Sa.

[edit] Cities

• Nan - the provincial capital - is an ancient city steeped in history with its long association with the Lannathai culture and the Sukhothai kingdom.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Amphoe Mueang

Wat Phra That Chae Hang (วัดพระธาตุแช่แห้ง), about 2 kilometres from town on Highway No. 1168, is ancient religious site of the province. Once the centre of the old town, it was moved to its present location in about 1368. It features a 55 metre-high golden Chedi containing a Holy Relic from Sukhothai. Over the Viharn's door frames and on parts of the roofs are plaster designs in the shape of Naga, the great serpent, which represent the artistic best in local architecture.

The building of the Nan National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติน่าน) was actually constructed in 1903 and once the residence of a ruler of Nan. It displays exhibitions concerning the town's history and major structures, evolution of arts in different ages, and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent of which is the Black Ivory. It also provides anthropological information on the northern indigenous people including the several minorities residing in Nan. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon.

A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin (วัดภูมินทร์), which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the Ubosot and Viharn. Four Buddha statues with their backs against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen.

Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.

Wat Phaya Wat (วัดพญาวัด) is located just before reaching the town on Highway No. 101. An ancient religious site, it has rectangular Chedi bases on which Buddha states are placed around the Chedi structure. Combined artistic influences of Lanna, Lan Chang and native Nan can be detected.

Opposite the Nan National Museum is Wat Chang Kham Woravihan (วัดช้างค้ำวรวิหาร). Its main features are the sculpted upper halves of elephants adorning around the Chedi, a Sukhothai influence. Here have been found stones with ancient Thai scripts relating the alliance between the kings of Nan and Sukhothai when Nan was still and independent state. An ancient golden Buddha is enshrined in the Viharn.

Wat Suan Tan (วัดสวนตาล), built in 1230, features an old, beautifully-shaped Chedi and houses a huge bronze Buddha statue, Phra Chao Thong Thip cast by a king of Chiang Mai in 1450.

[edit] Amphoe Na Noi

Pha Chu, or Pha Cheot Chu (ผาเชิดชูหรือผาเชิดชู), is a cliff located within the Si Nan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติศรีน่าน) which covers extensive forested and mountainous areas. The cliff can be reached by taking the Nan-Wiang Sa - Na Noi route for 135 kilometres, then turning into Highway No. 1083 and on for another 22 kilometres. The cliff-stop offers an excellent viewing point to enjoy a panoramic vista of the mountains. A national flag pole has a lanyard running all the way down to the foot of the hill, the longest in the country. There are camping areas for visitors in the park. For more information call 0 5470 1106, 0 1224 0800 or visit www.dnp.go.th

Hom Chom (ฮ่อมจ๊อม) is a natural geological occurrence located about 10 kilometres from Na Noi district on Highway No. 1083. The site is characterised by a large earthen mould eroded by the elements through the ages, leaving only hard eastern columns, whose exotic shapes and forms can be interpreted as differently as the imagination goes.

[edit] Amphoe Tha Wang Pha

Thai Lu Village-Ban Nong Bua (หมู่บ้านไทยลื้อบ้านหนองบัว) is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 kilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lu people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. It has also been improved in the designs but still retaining the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among tourist.

Wat Nong Bua (วัดหนองบัว) in Nong Bua village of Tha Wang Pha district was built by Thai Lu craftsmen who had early migrated from southern China. Apart from the Viharn which is adorned with elaborate carvings, there are also wall murals painted by Thai Lu artists some one hundred years ago. Their artistic value and degree of perfection equal those at Wat Phumin.

[edit] Amphoe Pua

To the north of Nan along Highway No. 1080 in Nong Bua district and with a further distance of 25 kilometres on the route to Bo Kluea district lies the Doi Phu Kha National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยภูคา). The terrain is mainly forested lands on limestone mountain ranges, the source of several streams which merge into the Nan River. The elevation is about 1,900 metres above sea level. There are three main different forest types found within the park. Mixed Deciduous forest, Dipterocarp with Oak Forest and Hill Evergreen Forest. Here are found several rare and near extinct flora, particularly the Chomphu Phu Kha (bretschneidera ninesis hemsl.), whose pink flowers are in full bloom during February. In the morning, a sea of mist can be seen drifting across the valley. There are also several scenic waterfalls. Permits to camp can be applied for. Alternatively, tourists may choose to utilise the accommodation services in the park. For more information call 0 2562 0760, 0 1960 0477, 0 5462 6770 or visit www.dnp.go.th

Wat Phrathat Beng Sakat (วัดพระธาตุเบ็งสกัด) Take Highway No. 1256, turn at the entrance opposite Woranakhon School for approximately 200 metres and turn left for other 200 metres. The temple is situated at Ban Kaem, Mu 5, Tambon Woranakhon.

The Phrathat and Wihan were completed in 1283. Inside the Chedi, resides the Buddha’s relics, considered as the centre of the community’s faith. Its architecture is in the Nan school style. The Wihan is in a low-lying style of Thai Lue called “Song Takhum” or “Song Tia Chae”. It is a 2-tiered and 2-rowed roof covered with golden teakwood shingles. It is a local Thai Lue art. The archway of the entrance is in the Lan Chang style, renovated in the reign of Phraya Anantayot. He later had Phra Kaeo, a Buddha image with golden hair placed inside the Phrathat. The main Buddha image is in the local style residing on the so-called Chukkachi base. The back of the Buddha image is decorated with a mirror in accordance with the Thai Lue belief. Also, the wooden door panels are carved in the local art of Nan.

[edit] Amphoe Na Muen

Ban Pak Nai (บ้านปากนาย), about 22 kilometres along the road winding over the shoulder of the mountain some 96 kilometres from the provincial town, is a fishing village on the bank of the fresh-water lake above the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province. Local rafts are turned into restaurants and accommodations for visitors who prefer vacationing amid peaceful natural surrounding. The most famous food is the many kinds of fresh-water fish caught in the lake.

[edit] Amphoe Mae Charim

Rafting along the Wa Brook (ลำน้ำว้า) This exciting activity waits for tourists who like to shoot many rapids. Rafting can be accompanied by elephant riding. The suitable time for rafting is from September to February. Visitors can contact travel agencies in the town.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Festivals

Wai Phrathat Festival (งานประเพณีไหว้พระธาตุ) Nan is a town in the Lanna kingdom where Buddhism spread for a long period of time. Within the area of the ancient city, both in Mueang Nan and in Amphoe Pua, lie Phrathats on the hill. Every year, festivals paying respect to the important Phrathats are organized as follows:

• Namatsakan Phrathat Beng Sakat Fair (งานนมัสการพระธาตุเบ็งสกัด) is organized on the full night of the 4th northern lunar month (around January).
• Hok Peng Waisa Mahathat Chae Haen Fair (งานประเพณีหกเป็งไหว้สามหาธาตุแช่แห้) takes place on the full moon night of the 6th northern lunar month or the 4th central lunar month (around the end of February-March). Sky rockets are fired as an offering to the Buddha.
• Namatsakan Phrathat Khao Noi” Fair (งานประเพณีนมัสการพระธาตุเขาน้อย) takes place on the full moon night of the 8th northern lunar month or the 6th central lunar month (around May). In the festival, there is a ceremony paying respect to Phrathat Khao Noi and sky rockets are fired as an offering to the Buddha.
• Namatsakan Song Nam Phrachao Thongthip Fair (งานประเพณีนมัสการสรงน้ำพระเจ้าทองทิพย์) at Wat Suan Tan during the Songkran festival on 12-15 April.
• Tan Kuai Salak, Hae Khua Tan or Khrua Than Festival (งานตานก๋วยสลาก หรืองานแห่คัวตาน หรือ ครัวทาน) Than Salak or Kuai Salak is an ancient tradition created in the Buddha’s time. For the northern people, it is considered as a major local merit making ceremony possessing local uniqueness. Monks are invited to receive the offerings by drawing lots.

Nan Boat Races (งานประเพณีแข่งเรือจังหวัดน่าน) has been passed on for a long period of time. In 1936, boat racing was organized during the community’s robe presentation to the monks after the end of the Buddhist Lent until the time of the royal robe presentation ceremony. Nowadays, it is around mid-October or at the beginning of November every year. The opening of the races is the date when the food offerings are presented to the priests by drawing lots of Wat Chang Kham Worawihan, a royal temple. The food offering ceremony will be firstly organized. Therefore, the Nan Boat Races have come together with the Tan Kuai Salak of Wat Chang Kham until nowadays. Later, the province added the celebration of the black elephant tusk which is the precious treasure of Nan as well. Moreover, there is boat racing at Amphoe Wiang Sa in the Tan Kuai Salak Festival.

[edit][add listing] Buy

The Woven Materials of Nan (ผ้าทอพื้นเมืองน่าน) are distinctively different in terms of designs and production methods from other localities. The most famous pattern is the Lai Nam Lai (ผ้าลายน้ำไหล) which resembles waves or stairs. Other designs also reflect the local artistic and creative skills. The materials are used for making dresses, colourful satchels and Tung, a type of pennant used in religious rites. Such products are widely available in town or production centres in rural villages particularly at Ban Nong Bua in Tha Wang Pha district.

Nan is also noted for making musical instruments which include the Saloh (สะล้อ), a violin-like instrument, and the Sung (ซึง), similar to a guitar. They are used in bands which can still be heard in certain restaurants in town where they can be bought.

In addition, silverware, wood carving and hilltribe handicraft are quite popular with tourist. The leading agricultural produce is the Som Si Thong (golden oranges) (ส้มสีทอง) which are of the same species as oranges of the Central Plain. Because of climatic differences, the local version is golden-skinned and more aromatic. They are in season in December.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Amphoe Mueang

• Chan Inn (จันทร์อินน์) 15/4 Mahayot Road (Tel: 0 5471 0757), 19 rooms, 140-300 baht
• City Park (ซิตี้ปาร์ค) 99 Mu 4 Yantrakitkoson Road, Tambon Du Tai (Tel: 0 5474 1343-52 , Fax: 0 5477 3135) www.thecityparkhotel.com E-mail: booking@thecityparkhotel.com 129 rooms, 800-4,500 baht
• Dao Rueang (ดาวเรือง) 7/1 Worawit Road, Tel: 0 5477 1899, Total 31 rooms: 350-650 baht
• Thewearat (เทวราช) 446 Sumonthewarat Road (Tel: 0 5471 0094, 0 5471 0212, 0 5475 1557 Fax: 0 5477 1365), 154 rooms: 300-4,000 baht
• Nan Guesthouse (น่านเกสท์เฮ้าส์) 57/16 Mahaphrom Road (Tel: 0 5477 1849, 0 1288 8484), 10 rooms: 70-200 baht
• Nan Fa (น่านฟ้า) 436-438-440 Sumonthewarat Road, Tambon Nai Wiang (Tel: 0 5471 0284๗, 13 rooms: 390-490 baht
• Nan Valley Resort (น่านวัลเล่ย์รีสอร์ท) 229 Nan-Thung Chang Road, Tambon Pha Sing (Tel: 0 5477 3019), 40 rooms and 4 houses: 700-2,500 baht
• Fa Thanin (ฟ้าธนิน) 303 Anantaworaritthidet Road (Tel: 0 5475 7321-4 Fax: 0 5475 7327), 56 rooms: 490-1,000 baht
• Wiang Kaeo (เวียงแก้ว) 379 Phuttabucha Road (Tel: 0 5475 0573, 0 5475 0987 Fax: 0 5477 4573), 13 rooms: 380 baht
• Suk Kasem (สุขเกษม) 119-121 Anantaworaritthidet Road (Tel: 0 5471 0141, 0 5477 1581), 43 rooms: 150-350 baht
• Amonsi (อมรศรี) 97 Mahayot Road (Tel: 0 5471 0510), 10 rooms: 120-200 baht

[edit] Amphoe Pua

• Chomphu Phukha Corner Resort (ชมพูภูคาคอร์เนอร์รีสอร์ท) 258 Mu 8 Nan - Thung Chang Road (Tel: 0 5479 1160), 8 rooms: 500-700 baht

Pa Pua Phuka (ป่าปัวภูคา) 141 Mu 4, Pua – Nam Yao Road, Tambon Silalaeng (Tel: 0 5479 1156, 0 5479 1166 Fax: 0 5479 1156), 60 rooms: 800-1,200 baht

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Amphoe Mueang

• Khaotom Pum (ข้าวต้มปุ้ม) 115 Mu 3 Anantaworaritthidet Road,Tel: 0 5477 2100 (open 5 pm - 4 am)
• Da-dario (ด๊า-ดาริโอ) 37/4 Rat Amnuai Road, Tel: 0 5475 0258 (Thai & European foods, open 10 am – 2 pm and 5 -10 pm)
• Thanaya (ธนายามังสวิรัต) 75/23 Anantaworaritthidet Road, Tel: 0 5471 0930 (Vegetarian, 7 am – 8.30 pm)
• Bo Nam (บ่อน้ำ) Suriyaphong Road, Tel: 0 5471 0860 (fish menu, open 10.30 am -- 11 pm)
• Ya Chai (ยาใจ) 34/2 Sumonthewarat Road, Tel: 0 5477 1401 (European food, open 6 – 12 pm)
• Ruean Kaeo (เรือนแก้ว) 1/1 Sumonthewarat Road, Tel: 0 5471 0631 (Thai, Chinese and local food, open 10 am - 10 pm)
• Sanian (สวนอาหารสะเนียน) 136 Mu1, Nan-Phayao Road, Tambon Sanian, Tel: 0 5478 5087 (Thai food, open 10 am – 10 pm)
• Suan I San (สวนอีสาน) 2/1 Anantapracha Road, Tel: 0 54710761, 0 5477 2913 (Thai and Isan food, open 9 am – 9 pm)
• Suriya Gargen (สุริยาการ์เด้น) 9 Sumonthewarat Road, Tel: 0 54 710687, 0 5477 2980 (Thai, Chinese and local food, open 11 am – 12 pm)

[edit] King Amphoe Phu Phiang

• Rim Bueng (สวนอาหารริมบึง) 259 Mo 4, Tambon Muang Tit, Tel: 0 5477 4883, 0 1784 2832 (Thai food, open 10 am – 12 pm)

[edit] Amphoe Tha Wang Pha

• Wangsila (สวนอาหารวังศิลา) Tel: 0 5479 9245 (Thai food, open 11 am – 12 pm)

[edit] Amphoe Chiang Klang

• Ruamrot (รวมรส) 52 Mu 5 Tambon Chiang Klang, Tel: 0 5479 7065 (Single Dishes)

[edit] Amphoe Na Muen

• Songbua (แพอาหารสองบัว) Ban Pak Nai, Tambon Na Thanung, (fish menu)

now Songbua restaurant your can Tel :054730136 or 0861817367

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Amphoe Mueang

• Ngoen Nan (เงินน่าน) 42/22 Mahayot Road (Silverware)
• Changtrakun (จางตระกูล) 304-306 Sumonthewarat Road, Tel: 0 5471 0016, 0 5477 1357 (hand-woven cloth)
• Chomphuphuka (ชมพูภูคา) Nan-Phayao Road,Km. 2 , Tel: 0 5471 0177 (silver ware)
• Chulephon (ชุลีภรณ์) 36/1 Rangsikasam Road, Tel: 0 5477 2773 (silver ware & hand-woven cloth)
• Ban Thananchai (บ้านทนันไชย) 1 Chettabut Road, beside Si Nan School, Tel: 0 5471 0515 (hand-woven cloth and silverware)
• Fai Ngoen (ฝ้ายเงิน) 376/3 Yantrakitkoson Road, Tel: 0 5474 1564 (hand-woven cloth and silverware)
• Phimphathai (พิมผ้าไทย) 247 Sumonthewarat Road, Tel: 0 5471 0725 (hand-woven cloth)
• Nan Silverware (น่านซิลเวอร์แวร์) 36/1 Sumonthewarat Road
• Phatthana Thaipayap Association (สมาคมพัฒนาไทยพายัพ) 24 Chettabut Road, Tel: 0 5471 0230, 0 5477 2520, open Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm (hilltribe products)
• Sa-ne Lanna (เสน่ห์ล้านนา) 61 Mu 4, Ban Chedi, Tambon Du Tai, Tel: 0 5477 1823 (hand-woven cloth)
• Suphitsala (ศุภิสรา) 272/3 Yantrakitkoson Road, Tel: 0 5474 1720 (silk and cotton products)
• A-ngun Khon Mueang (องุ่นคนเมือง) 223 Sumonthewarat Road (pottery)

[edit] Amphoe Pua

• Ban Hia Weaving Village (กลุ่มทอผ้าบ้านเฮี้ย) 141 Mu 11, Tambon Silalaeng, Pua-Pakang Road, before Pa Pua Phukha Hotel (Thai Lue’s hand-woven products)
• Nam Chai (นำชัยเครื่องเงิน) 5 Mu 2, Tambon Pakang (silverware)
• Chamnan (ชำนาญเครื่องเงิน) 105 Mu 9, Ban Pa Klang, Tambon Silalaeng (silverware)
• Fai Doi (ฝ้ายดอย) 138 Mu 8, Ban Don Kaeo, Tambon Woranakhon (hand-woven cloth)
• Pa Klang HilltribeVillage (หมู่บ้านพัฒนาและสงเคราะห์ชาวชาวเขาป่ากลาง) Tambon Sila, 69 kms. from Nan (hillttribe products)

[edit] Amphoe Tha Wang Pha

• Chansom (จันทร์สมการทอ) 68 Ban Nong Bua, Tambon Pa Kha, Tel: 0 5479 8468 (hand-woven cloth)

[edit] Amphoe Wiang Sa

• Ban Donchai Weaving Village (กลุ่มทอผ้าบ้านดอนชัย) Tel: 0 5475 2205
• Ban Phai Ngam Weaving Village (กลุ่มทอผ้าบ้านไผ่งาม) Mu1 Ban Phai Ngam, Tambon San, Tel: 0 5475 2565

[edit] Amphoe Thung Chang

• Ban Thung Son (บ้านทุ่งสน) Tambon Ngop (Hand-woven fabric)

[edit] Call

• Nan Airport Worawichai Road, Tel: 0 5471 0270
• Thai Airways Mahaphrom Road, Tel: 0 5471 0377
• Nan Hospital Worawichai Road, Tel: 0 5471 0138
• Police Station Suriyaphong Road, Tel: 0 5475 1681
• Immigration Office Amphoe Thung Chang, Tel: 0 5479 5009
• Provincial Office Suriyaphong Road, Tel: 0 5471 0341
• Provincial PR Office Suriyaphong Road, Tel: 0 5477 3047
• Chamber of Commerce Tel: 0 5477 4499

[edit] Get out